PRI: Public Radio International

Navy SEAL's death reveals struggle far beyond PTSD

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:30:00 -0600

The stigmatization of mental health illnesses in the U.S. military is but one factor in increased suicide rates among soldiers who have returned home. And though the Pentagon has said suicide prevention is a high priority, some critics say more action needs to be taken.

Jeff Eastman

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:43:30 -0600

There's a website, PTSDSTRESS.COM that has an anonymous interactive computer program that reduces the symptoms of PTSD for the user. Developed in part by an NIH PTSD researcher/ doctor, the site uses eye movement. It's confidential, costs $10 per session and accepts credit cards but does not require a cardholder name for further confidentiality. It has been used by military and non-military for over 4 years.

Virginia Roth

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:27:46 -0600

Until the medical professionals quit "downplaying" traumatic brain injury to PTSD, there will be little progress for these brave and honorable men and women. PTSD has been the "catch all" diagnosis for anyone experiencing "a mental change" after deployment. An injury to the brain, whether physical from an IED, a vehicle accident, or a bump on the head without losing consciousness; OR, from witnessing unbelievable actions which affect the neuro-dynamics of the person's brain IS STILL a BRAIN INJURY! The stigma associated with PTSD and TBI, ABI, stroke, etc. are perpetuated by uneducated medical professionals who may have spent 6 weeks rotation in a trauma unit and believe they "know" or are "experienced in" these injuries---when they are not.
Some facts:
You don't need to lose consciousness to sustain a brain injury.
Cognitive, emotional, speech, occupational and other deficiencies can show up days, weeks, months or years AFTER the event.
What the survivor eats and drinks affects recovery.
Neuro highways can be rebuilt, but where the average person needs a repetitive skill or action 4-5 times before learned; a TBI survivor needs 15-20 times...then wait...try again..another 15-20 times to retain the learning.
Hormones affect TBI and may increase cognitive issues. Example: TBI BEFORE puberty, once puberty begins with its surge of hormones, cognitive issues can appear. Menopause and aging can do the same thing.
TBI survivors need structure, regimentation and conformity to function, they have difficulty with sudden changes.
Medications to assist with mood, seizures, etc. may work for months or years and then stop working.
50% of TBI survivors are at risk from suicide, if they are not provided coping and compensatory therapies for challenges as soon as possible.
There is no blood test for TBI/ABI/PTSD.
If you feel disconnected, not yourself, forget things as quickly as you think of them, if you are suddenly finding common items in your home in odd places, if the pizza guy swears you ordered 5 pizzas last week, but you don't remember eating them, let alone paying for them; if you lose track of time; if you feel weary, but got 8 or more hours of sleep; if your friends tell you you started a sentence and then suddenly stopped for a second or longer and then changed the subject; if you suddenly lost interest in the things you used to enjoy doing; if friends and family say you've changed, you're too quiet, you're too loud, you're suddenly mean and sullen; AND, if you have in the past had a bump to the head or a severe jolt to your body and experience headaches ... demand you be evaluated for TBI and seek the help you earned, deserve and need. THERE IS QUALITY AND FULFILLING LIFE AFTER TBI. God Bless

Mary K

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:16:11 -0600

The remarks about losing a security clearance are erroneous and are perpetuated amongst the troops. You will be evaluated to ensure you are not a danger to yourself or to others. If you're safe to handle a weapon, why would you lose your security clearance? It's the same thing as no weapon, no mission, which would be more appropriate to consider (as access to weapons definitely increases the lethality and impulsivity of an action).

Until being evaluated by mental health professionals for mental and emotional injuries is equivalent to seeing an orthopedic surgeon for broken bones, this fallacy that seeing mental health professionals will ruin your career will persist. What will it take?

I'm a firm believer that everyone needs therapy---someone they can talk to who is non-judgmental, who understands what you're going through, and who can help you develop effective coping skills and a new perspective on things.